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South of Scotland Thistle Awards 2023


5 Oct 23
by Nathon Jones

TradFestival 2022

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival heads to the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries this evening for this year's South of Scotland Thistle Awards. The festival is a finalist in the 'Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival' category; another fantastic achievement for the event.

For almost 30 years, The Scottish Thistle Awards have been recognising and championing the very best of the Scottish tourism, hospitality and events industry. The Awards honour the very best individuals, businesses and partnerships for their innovation, excellence and success.  

The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes. They combine five regional awards, with a national final.

This year sees the introduction of a dedicated South of Scotland Thistle Awards, delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and South of Scotland Enterprise, which invite nominations and entries from the tourism and events industry in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.   

VisitScotland will continue to deliver two regional finals for Central & East and West, whilst the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) and the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) will deliver their regional awards programme. Winners from all five regions progress to the National Final.

Wishing everyone who has made the finals the very best of success tonight and fingers crossed that we can bring another award back to Newton Stewart.

In Other News


World-class bluegrass festival returns to Newton Stewart over 15-17 May 2026!

SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival celebrates is 5th year in 2026, bringing the very best in UK and International bluegrass/Americana/old-time music to you with concerts, workshops, open mic and pickin' sessions all weekend, LIVE in the Festival Marquee and The Vault Arts Centre in beautiful Galloway.  

7 May 26
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Don't miss the 51st Girvan Traditional Folk Festival over 1st-3rd May 2026

51 years of traditional music, arts and culture in Southwest Scotland, and with a line-up that includes Tim Edey, Robyn Stapleton, Maggie MacInnes, Caoimhin O Raghallaigh & Mick O'Brien, Len Graham, Alan Reid, Janice Burns & Jon Doran, and many more, 2026 is one not to be missed! Save the date!  

13 Feb 26
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Vote for Summer Trad Festival and The Vault Arts Centre

If you've enjoyed any of the events, festivals and/or tuition at The Vault Arts Centre this year, please drop us a wee vote for this year's MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Event of the Year? Venue of the Year? Tutor of the Year? Please vote, and share, and let's grab an award for Galloway!  

18 Oct 25
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Trad Music Trust

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival will celebrate its 13th year over 10th-12th July 2026. It's an incredible achievement. The charity has created a viable, sustainable, event that continues to grow and develop, proudly celebrating the very best in traditional Scottish, Irish and World music. Make sure you book early for what is shaping up to be the biggest event yet!

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